Power Semiconductor Device Having Gate Electrode Coupling Portions for Etchant Control

ABSTRACT

A general insulated gate power semiconductor active element with many gate electrodes arranged in parallel has a laminated structure including a barrier metal film and a thick aluminum electrode film formed over the gate electrodes via an interlayer insulating film. When the aluminum electrode film is embedded in between the gate electrodes in parallel, voids may be generated with the electrodes. Such voids allow the etchant to penetrate in wet etching, which may promote the etching up to a part of the electrode film in an active cell region which is to be left. Thus, an insulated gate power semiconductor device is provided to include gate electrodes protruding outward from the inside of the active cell region, and a gate electrode coupling portion for coupling the gate electrodes outside the active cell region. The gate electrode coupling portion is covered with a metal electrode covering the active cell region.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-214822 filed onSep. 27, 2010 including the specification, drawings and abstract isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a technique effectively applied to alayout technology of a power semiconductor device (or semiconductorintegrated circuit device).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-228882 (PatentDocument 1) discloses a technique for avoiding undesired etching of aninterlayer insulating film from its side by burying an integralpolysilicon strip intersecting a word line when forming a polysiliconburying a contact in a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) chip.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-54483 (Patent Document2) discloses a gate electrode having a structure with an inside regionthereof removed in a planar vertical power MOSFET for the purpose ofreduction in gate capacitance.

SUMMARY

An insulated gate power semiconductor active element, such as a powerMOSFET, presently includes a number of gate electrodes arranged linearlyin parallel, an interlayer insulating film covering the gate electrodes,a relatively thin barrier metal film, and a relatively thick aluminumelectrode film which are laminated over the insulating film. When aregion between the gate electrodes extending in parallel is buried inthe thick aluminum electrode film, a void extending together with thegate electrode is generated at the center of the buried region in manycases. Such a void may possibly lead to failures in metal processtreatment.

Specifically, when the aluminum electrode film is patterned, forexample, by wet etching with an elongated void formed in the electrodefilm, the etching solution would penetrate the electrode film throughthe elongated void to etch a part of the aluminum electrode film whichis to be essentially left, that is, an active cell part.

The invention of the present application has been made so as to solvethe foregoing problems.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a powersemiconductor device with high reliability.

The above and other objects and the novel features of the invention willbecome apparent from the description of the present specification andthe accompanying drawings.

The outline of representative aspects of the invention disclosed in thepresent application will be briefly described below.

That is, one aspect of the invention disclosed in the presentapplication is directed to an insulated gate power semiconductor devicewhich includes a plurality of gate electrodes provided via a gateinsulating film to protrude outward from the inside of an active cellregion, and a gate electrode coupling portion for coupling the gateelectrodes outside the active cell region. The gate electrode couplingportion is covered with a metal electrode covering the active cellregion.

The effects obtained by representative aspects of the inventiondisclosed in the present application will be briefly described below.

That is, the insulated gate power semiconductor device includes aplurality of gate electrodes provided via a gate insulating film toprotrude outward from the inside of an active cell region, and a gateelectrode coupling portion for coupling the gate electrodes outside theactive cell region. The gate electrode coupling portion is covered witha metal electrode covering the active cell region. This arrangement canprevent the introduction of defects due to a manufacturing process.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of a DC-DC down-converter for explainingtypical applications, such as a power MOSFET, which is one example of apower semiconductor device according to one embodiment of the inventionin the present application;

FIG. 2 is an extensive plan view of an inner region at an upper surfaceof a chip for explaining the outline of a gate electrode layoutcorresponding to the semiconductor device of the present application (inwhich a gate electrode coupling portion near the cell is comprised of aplurality of coupling bars;

FIG. 3 is an extensive plan view of an inner region at an upper surfaceof a chip for explaining a first modified example (single coupling bar)of the gate electrode layout shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an extensive plan view of an inner region at an upper surfaceof a chip for explaining a second modified example (zig-zag couplingbar) of the gate electrode layout shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a front view of an entire chip for explaining a specificplanar structure of a power MOSFET device, which is one example of thepower semiconductor device according to the one embodiment of theinvention in the present application;

FIG. 6 is a front view of a part of the chip showing the details of thelayout of a cut portion R1 in the protruding direction of the gateelectrode shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the device taken alongthe line Y-Y′ of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a front view of a part of the chip showing the details of thelayout of a cut portion R2 of the side of the gate electrode shown inFIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the device taken alongthe line X-X′ of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a local front view of a chip showing a basic layout of a cutportion R3 around the gate electrode coupling portion near the cellshown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a local front view of a chip showing a layout correspondingto a modified example regarding the dimension of a cut portion R3 aroundthe gate electrode coupling portion near the cell shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 12 is a process block flowchart for explaining a main part of awafer process line of the power MOSFET which is one of the powersemiconductor device according to the one embodiment of the invention inthe present application;

FIGS. 13-22 are all cross-sectional views substantially taken along theline A-A′ of FIG. 6 for explaining a main part of the wafer process lineof a power MOSFET in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention, and showing the device at different stages of formation,with:

FIG. 13 showing the power MOSFET from the step of forming a gateinsulating film to the step of depositing a hard mask film made ofsilicon oxide;

FIG. 14 showing the power MOSFET in the step of processing the gateelectrode or the like;

FIG. 15 showing the power MOSFET in the step of introduction of ions toform a P-type base region;

FIG. 16 showing the power MOSFET in the step of introduction of ions toform an N-type source extension region;

FIG. 17 showing the power MOSFET in the step of forming a sidewall;

FIG. 18 showing the power MOSFET in the step of introduction of ions toform an N⁺-type source region;

FIG. 19 showing the power MOSFET in the step of forming a contact holeand the like;

FIG. 20 showing the power MOSFET in the step of depositing a barriermetal film;

FIG. 21 showing the power MOSFET in the step of wet-etching an aluminummetal electrode film; and

FIG. 22 showing the power MOSFET in the step of dry-etching a barriermetal film.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

First, the outline of representative preferred embodiments of theinvention disclosed in the present application will be described below.

1. A power semiconductor device according to a first aspect of theinvention includes: (a) a semiconductor chip with first and second mainsurfaces; (b) a plurality of gate electrodes provided via a gateinsulating film so as to protrude outward from an inside of an activecell region over the first main surface of the semiconductor chip; (c) agate electrode coupling portion integrally coupling intermediate partsof the gate electrodes together outside the active cell region over thefirst main surface of the semiconductor chip; (d) an interlayerinsulating film covering the gate electrodes and the gate electrodecoupling portion over the first main surface of the semiconductor chip;and (e) a first metal electrode covering the active cell region andsurroundings thereof over the interlayer insulating film. The gateelectrode coupling portion between the gate electrodes is covered withthe first metal electrode. The first metal electrode includes (e1) abarrier metal film; and (e2) a metal electrode film provided over thebarrier metal film so as to be thicker than the barrier metal film, andcomprised of aluminum as a principal component.

2. In the semiconductor device according to the first aspect, the gateelectrode couplings are provided close to each other.

3. In the semiconductor device according to the first or second aspect,the gate electrode coupling portion is substantially linear.

4. In the semiconductor device according to any one of the first tothird aspects, the gate electrode coupling portion has substantially thesame width as that of each of the gate electrodes.

5. In the semiconductor device according to any one of the first tothird aspects, the width of the gate electrode coupling portion is widerthan that of each of the gate electrodes.

6. In the semiconductor device according to any one of the first tofifth aspects, the gate electrode coupling portion is formed of the samelayer material as that of the gate electrodes.

7. In the semiconductor device according to any one of the first tosixth aspects, the power semiconductor device is a power MISFETincluding a linear gate electrode structure.

8. In the semiconductor device according to any one of the first toseventh aspects, the power semiconductor device is a power MISFET havinga planar structure.

9. In the semiconductor device according to any one of the first toseventh aspects, the power semiconductor device is a split gate powerMISFET having a planar structure.

10. In the semiconductor device according to any one of the first toninth aspects, no insulating film which is thicker than the gateinsulating film exists between the first main surface of thesemiconductor chip and the gate electrode coupling portion.

Explanation of Description Format, Basic Terms, and Usage in PresentApplication

1. In the present application, the description of the followingpreferred embodiments may be divided into sections, for convenience ifnecessary, but these embodiments are not independent from each otherexcept when specified otherwise. These embodiments correspond to therespective parts of a single example. Alternatively, one of theembodiments is a modified example of a detailed part, a part, or all ofthe other. The repeated description of the same part will be omittedbelow in principal. Further, a specific value regarding the respectivecomponents or the like of the following embodiments is not essentialexcept when specified otherwise, except when clearly limited thereto inprincipal, and unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Further, the term “transistor”, “semiconductor device”, or“semiconductor integrated circuit device” as used in the presentapplication mainly means various kinds of single transistors (activeelements), or devices essentially including such transistors with aresistor, a capacitor, and the like, which are integrated on asemiconductor chip or the like (for example, a monocrystalline siliconsubstrate). Various typical transistors can include, for example, ametal insulator semiconductor field effect transistor (MISFET), typifiedby a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET). Theterm “MOSFET” as used in the present application may include not only atransistor using a gate insulating film made of an oxide film, but alsoa transistor using a gate insulating film made of any insulating filmother than the oxide film.

2. Likewise, in the description of the embodiments or the like, thephrase “X made of A” about material, composition, or the like does notexclude a member containing an element other than A as a principalcomponent, except when specified otherwise, and unless the contextclearly indicates otherwise. For example, as to the component, the abovephrase means “X containing A as a principal component” or the like. Itis apparent that for example, the term “a silicon member” or the like isnot limited to pure silicon, and may mean a member including amulticomponent alloy containing SiGe alloy or other silicon materials asa principal component, and other additives or the like. Likewise, it isapparent that the term “silicon oxide film”, “silicon-oxide-basedinsulating film”, or the like means not only a film made of relativelypure undoped silicon dioxide; but also a thermally-oxidized film made offluorosilicate glass (FSG), TEOS-based silicon oxide, silicon oxicarbide(SiOC), carbon-doped silicon oxide, organosilicate glass (OSG),phosphorus silicate glass (PSG), borophosphosilicate glass (BPSG), orthe like; a CVD oxide film; a coating type silicon oxide film made ofspin on glass (SOG), nano-clustering silica (NCS), or the like; asilica-based Low-k insulating film (porous insulating film) provided byintroducing holes into the same member as the above-mentioned film; anda composite film of another silicon-based insulating film containing theabove material as a principal component.

3. Likewise, it is apparent that preferred examples of diagrams,positions, properties, and the like will be described below in theembodiments, but the invention is not strictly limited thereto exceptwhen specified otherwise, and except when indicated otherwise from thecontext.

4. Further, when referring to a specific value or quantity, theinvention may have a value exceeding the specific value, or may have avalue less than the specific value except when specified otherwise,except when limited to the specific value, and except when clearlyindicated otherwise from the context, in theory.

5. The term “wafer” generally indicates a single crystal silicon waferover which a semiconductor device (note that the same goes for asemiconductor integrated circuit device, and an electronic device) isformed, but may include a composite wafer comprised of an insulatingsubstrate, such as an epitaxial wafer, an SOI wafer, or a LCD glasssubstrate, and a semiconductor layer or the like.

6. The term “power semiconductor” as used in the present applicationindicates a semiconductor device which can handle power of several wattsor more. A power MOSFET, a power insulated gate bipolar transistor(IGBT), and the like belong to an “insulated gate power transistor”.Therefore, all normal power MOSFETs are included in the “powersemiconductor”.

A power MOSFET having a source at the front surface thereof and a drainat the back surface thereof is regarded as a vertical power MOSFET.

The “trench-gate power MOSFET” among the vertical power MOSFETs is aMOSFET which normally includes a gate electrode made of polysilicon orthe like in a trench (relatively elongated groove) formed at a devicesurface (first main surface) of a semiconductor substrate with a channelformed in the direction of thickness of the semiconductor substrate (inthe longitudinal direction). In this case, the device surface side ofthe semiconductor substrate serves as the source, and the back surfaceside (second main surface side) of the semiconductor substrate serves asthe drain.

A part of the main part of the gate electrode (part except for anelectrode lead portion) may extend off the trench.

An insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) is provided by adding acollector layer of a conduction type different from that of a drainregion onto the drain side of a vertical power MOSFET, from thestructural viewpoint. The source of the vertical power MOSFET as acomponent is called “emitter” for practical purposes. In the presentapplication, except when especially the term “emitter” needs to be used,this component of the original vertical power MOSFET is represented bythe “source”. The terms “source”, “source region”, “source electrode”,and the like are also used in this case. Since the IGBT hassubstantially the same layout of the device surface as that of thevertical power MOSFET, the following description on the vertical powerMOSFET can be applied to the IGBT in the preferred embodiments of theinvention in the present application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiments will be further described below in detail. Ineach drawing, the same or similar part is designated by the same orsimilar reference character or numeral, and a description thereof willnot be repeated in principal.

In the accompanied drawings, hatching or the like will be omitted evenin some cross-sectional views when a hatched part possibly becomescomplicated or when a part to be hatched is clearly distinguished from aspace. In this context, even the outline of a hole planarly closed maybe omitted as is evident from the description or the like. In order toclearly demonstrate that a part of interest is not a void, hatching maybe given to a drawing which is not a cross-sectional view.

1. Explanation of Typical Applications of Power MOSFET and the like asOne Example of Power Semiconductor Device in One Embodiment of theInvention in Present Application

In this section, in order to clearly define the characteristics of thepower MOSFET as one example of the power semiconductor device of the oneembodiment in the present application, a typical application circuitwill be described below by way of example. It goes without saying thatthe power semiconductor device (especially, an insulated gate poweractive element), such as the power MOSFET, as described in the presentapplication is not limited to such a specific application.

FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of a DC-DC down-converter for explaining atypical application of the power MOSFET and like as one example of thepower semiconductor device according to one embodiment of the inventionin the present application.

As shown in FIG. 1, the DC-DC down-converter (DC) decreases apower-supply voltage (for example, of about 15 to 20 volts) suppliedfrom a voltage source VS by on/off control using an upper side firstMOSFET (Q1) which is controlled by a control circuit CC. An output isproduced as a low voltage of the DC power supply (for example, of about1 volt, 3 volts, 5 volts, and the like) from an output terminal Vdd ofthe power supply and a ground terminal Gnd through a smoothing circuitcomprised of an inductance element L and a capacitor C. The lower sidesecond MOSFET (Q2) is an active switch instead of a free wheel diode.

The power MOSFET which is one example of the power semiconductor deviceaccording to one embodiment of the invention in the present applicationis mainly used as an upper-side MOSFET (Q1) in the example ofapplication.

2. Explanation of Outline of Gate Electrode Layout Corresponding toSemiconductor Device in One Embodiment of the Invention in PresentApplication

In this section, the outline of the gate electrode corresponding to thesemiconductor device of the one embodiment will be described below bytaking a simple layout of the power MOSFET described in section 1 as anexample. The layout below in the example shown in FIG. 2 is basicallythe same as that shown in each of FIGS. 5 to 9, but is a simplerembodiment for convenience of explanation.

FIG. 2 is an extensive plan view of an inner region at an upper surface1 a of a chip for explaining the outline of a gate electrode layoutcorresponding to the semiconductor device of the one embodiment of thepresent application (in which a gate electrode coupling portion near acell is comprised of a plurality of coupling bars in the oneembodiment). Based on this figure, the outline of the gate electrodelayout corresponding to the semiconductor device according to oneembodiment of the invention in the present application will be describedbelow.

FIG. 2 shows the outline of the layout of an inside region 2 i of asemiconductor chip upper surface 1 a including an active cell region 7,a gate electrode end 17, and the like. As shown in FIG. 2, in thisexample, a number of gate electrodes 9 extend in parallel substantiallyat equal intervals (note that in the example described in section 4 orthe like, the gate electrodes are not necessarily arranged at equalintervals) almost across the active cell region 7 towards the outside.The gate electrodes 9 are intercoupled to each other by a gate wiring 14as a lower layer (“lower layer gate wiring”) outside the active cellregion 7. It is not essential that the gate electrodes are coupled atthis part, and are intercoupled to each other (because they areintercoupled to each other by an aluminum metal layer as an upperlayer).

For present purposes, the region outside and immediately adjacent to theactive cell region 7 is considered to be a “non-cell region”. A firstgate electrode coupling portion 11 near the cell has a dam structure(near-cell dam structure) for preventing failures in the manufacturingprocess of a metal source electrode 8 (first metal electrode) located inthe vicinity of the outside of the active cell region 7, i.e., locatedin the non-cell region immediately adjacent to the active cell region 7.The first gate electrode coupling portion 11 may be comprised of, forexample, two near-cell parallelly extending gate electrode coupling bars11 a and 11 b (note that the upper sides of these gate electrodecoupling portions need to be covered with the metal source electrode 8).The first gate electrode coupling 11 and its near-cell gate electrodecoupling bars 11 a and 11 b are integrally formed of the same materiallayer as the gate electrode 9, are formed at the same time as the gateelectrode and so generally occupy a same depth level in the device. Suchgate electrode coupling bars 11 a and 11 b are provided next to eachother, which is effective in terms of occupation area.

The number of near-cell gate electrode coupling bars forming thenear-cell gate electrode coupling portion 11 may be a value other thantwo as described later. As the number of the coupling bars becomes more,the dam characteristics are improved. In contrast, a distance betweenthe outer edge of the active cell region 7 and the outer edge of themetal source electrode 8 is made longer to thus increase an occupationarea of the metal source electrode 8.

Such a dam structure works not only near the outer edge of the activecell region 7, but also under the gate wiring 6 (aluminum gate wiring)as the upper layer (“upper layer gate wiring”) near the gate electrodeend 17. This is a second gate electrode coupling portion 12 at the endof the gate. Like the near-cell first gate electrode coupling portion11, the number of gate electrode coupling bars forming the gate-endsecond gate electrode coupling portion 12 may be a value other than one.

3. Explanation of Outline of First and Second Modified Examples of GateElectrode Layout Corresponding to Semiconductor Device According to OneEmbodiment of the Invention in Present Application

In this section, a modified example of the near-cell dam structure andthe near-gate-end dam structure described in section 2 will be describedbelow. A description will be given of the near-cell dam structure, andthus can also be applied to the near-gate-end dam structure.

FIG. 3 is an extensive plan view of an inner region at an upper surfaceof a chip for explaining the first modified example (single couplingbar) of the gate electrode layout shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is anextensive plan view of an inner region at an upper surface of a chip forexplaining the second modified example (zig-zag coupling bar) of thegate electrode layout shown in FIG. 2. Based on these figures, theoutline of the first and second modified examples of the gate electrodelayout corresponding to the semiconductor device according to the oneembodiment in the present application will be described below.

FIG. 3 shows the first modified example. As shown in FIG. 3, in thisexample, the number of the near-cell gate electrode coupling barsforming the near-cell gate electrode coupling portion 11 is one. As thenumber of coupling bars becomes less, the distance between the outeredge of the active cell region 7 and the outer edge of the metal sourceelectrode 8 can be lessened, so that an occupation area of the metalsource electrode 8 is decreased.

In the second modified example as shown in FIG. 4, the near-cell gateelectrode coupling portion 11 can be formed in the zig-zag structure andnot as the linear near-cell gate electrode coupling bar.

4. Explanation of Device Structure of Power MOSFET

In this section, the device structure in the power MOSFET will be morespecifically described as one example of the power semiconductor deviceof the embodiment. In this section, the following cross-sectional viewsare relatively exemplary ones. The more detailed description ofprocesses to make such a device will be given below.

For convenience, an N-channel type device structure having anN-epitaxial layer formed as a drift region over an N-type silicon singlecrystal substrate will be explained below, but the invention of thepresent application is not limited thereto.

Now, a split gated vertical planar type power MOSFET which tends togenerate voids in a metal electrode will be described below. However,the following description can also be applied to a power MOSFET having aliner gate structure, such as a normal vertical planar power MOSFET, ora trench gate power MOSFET, as well as an insulated gate bipolartransistor (IGBT) in the same way.

FIG. 5 is a front view of an entire chip for explaining a specificplanar structure of a power MOSFET device, which is one example of thepower semiconductor device according to one embodiment of the inventionin the present application. FIG. 6 is a front view of a part of thechip, showing the details of the layout of a cut portion R1 of a gateelectrode in the protruding direction of the electrode shown in FIG. 5.FIG. 7 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the device taken alongthe line Y-Y′ of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a front view of a part of the chipshowing the details of the layout of a cut portion R2 of the gateelectrode shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 9 is an exemplary cross-sectional viewof the device taken along the line X-X′ of FIG. 8. Based on thesefigures, the device structure of the power MOSFET will be describedbelow.

As shown in FIG. 5, a guard ring 3 (for example, comprised of a barriermetal film as a lower layer, and an aluminum metal electrode film as anupper layer) is provided at the outer end of the upper surface 1 a ofthe power MOSFET chip 2. Inside the guard ring, a field limiting ring 4or a floating field ring is provided. For example, an upper layer gatewiring 6 having a substantially U shape (for example, comprised of abarrier metal film as a lower layer, and an aluminum metal electrodefilm as an upper layer) is provided inside the field limiting ring 4. Apart of the upper layer gate wiring 6 serves as a gate pad 5.

The active cell region 7 occupying a relatively large area is furtherprovided inside the field limiting ring 4 and the upper layer gatewiring 6. For example, the active cell region 7 is provided with anumber of linear gate electrodes 9 disposed in parallel, and having arepeated structure. At least one end of the gate electrode 9 extendsunder the upper layer gate wiring 6. This figure (see FIG. 5) shows onlya part of the so-called intrinsic gate electrode (if all of the gateelectrodes were to be illustrated, the number of the gate electrodeswill be within a range of several hundred to several thousand or more,which will make it difficult to understand the figure). The metal sourceelectrode 8 (for example, comprised of a barrier metal film as a lowerlayer, and an aluminum metal electrode film as an upper layer) generallycovers the entire active cell region 7, and extends beyond the entireperiphery of the active cell region 7 to cover its surroundings.

FIG. 6 shows the details of a cut portion R1 in the direction ofprotrusion of the gate electrodes shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 6,at the left end, a P-type field limiting ring 4 is positioned, while onthe right side, a P-type ring region 18 is provided to surround theactive cell region 7 with an N-type drift region 19 (N-epitaxial layer 1e) sandwiched between the P-type field-limiting ring 4 and the P-typering region 18.

The gate electrodes 9 extend in a linear manner along a first direction,each gate electrode comprising an intrinsic portion 9 i (“firstportion”) found in the active cell region 7 and a lead portion 9 t(“second portion”) found in the non-cell region and connecting to theintrinsic portion 9 i. Each gate electrode 9, or more particularly itslead portion 9 t, terminates in a gate electrode end 17 in the non-cellregion. Within the non-cell region, and extending along a seconddirection transverse to the first direction, are a near-cell first gateelectrode coupling portion 11, a gate-end second gate electrode couplingportion 12, and the lower layer gate wiring 14. As seen in the frontview of, e.g., FIG. 6, the gate electrode coupling portions 11, 12 andthe lower layer gate wiring 14 all extend perpendicular to the gateelectrodes 9, and are adapted to couple the lead portions 9 of the gateelectrodes 9 in the non-cell region. As best seen in FIG. 6, the gateelectrodes' intrinsic and lead portions 9 i, 9 t, the first and secondgate electrode coupling portions 11 and 12, and the lower layer gatewiring 14 may comprise an integrally formed multi-layer structure, thevarious portions being formed at the same time, having the same materiallayers and occupying a same depth in the finished device.

A coupling portion 15 between the gate electrode and the gate metal isprovided at the center of the gate electrode end 17 to establishcoupling with the upper layer gate wiring 6. As mentioned above, thenear-cell gate electrode coupling portion 11 and the gate-end gateelectrode coupling portion 12 are covered with the metal sourceelectrode 8 and the upper layer gate wiring 6, respectively. Gate splitregions 21 and P⁺-type body contact regions 16 are alternatinglyprovided between the gate electrodes 9 in the active cell region 7.

An example of the dimension of respective components shown in FIG. 6will be as follows. That is, the width of each of the intrinsic gateelectrode 9 i and the gate electrode lead portion 9 t is, for example,about 0.5 micrometers. Each of a distance between the gate electrodecoupling bars 11 a and 11 b located close to each other, and a distancebetween an inner end of the near-cell gate electrode coupling portion 11(active cell side of the gate electrode coupling bar 11 b) and theactive cell 7 is in a range of about 0.5 to 2 micrometers. A distancebetween the gate electrodes (a pair of gate electrodes opposed to eachother between split gates with the P⁺-type body contact region 16sandwiched therebetween) is, for example, substantially in a range of1.1 to 1.5 micrometers.

FIG. 7 shows a device structure corresponding to the cross-section takenalong the line Y-Y′ of FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 7, the power MOSFET hasa main structure formed on an upper surface 1 a side of the N-epitaxiallayer 1 e (N-type drift region 19) over the N-type silicon singlecrystal substrate 1 s having a lower surface 1 b. The P-type ring region18 around the active cell region, the P⁺-type body contact region 16,the N-type source region 22, and the like are provided at a superficialsurface region of the N-epitaxial layer 1 e.

The gate electrode structure 9, that is, the near-cell gate electrodecoupling portion 11, the gate-end gate electrode coupling portion 12,the lower layer gate wiring 14, and the gate electrode end 17 areprovided over the P-type ring region 18 around the active cell regionvia a gate insulating film 23 (or an insulating film formed at the sametime as the gate insulating film). Such a gate electrode structure iscovered with a second insulating film 32 for forming sidewalls and aninterlayer insulating film 37. The interlayer insulating film 37 ispartially covered with the barrier metal film 20 (for example, TiW film)and the aluminum metal electrode film 10 (containing aluminum as aprincipal component, and several percentage (%) or less of an additive).The interlayer insulating film 37, the barrier metal film 20 and thealuminum metal electrode film 10 together form the metal sourceelectrode 8 (“first metal electrode”) and the upper layer gate wiring 6(or gate pad 5). As best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first metalelectrode 8 overlies the first portions 9 i of the gate electrodes 9 andalso overlies the first gate electrode coupling portion 11 (couplingbars 11 a, 11 b), but does not overlie the gate electrode ends 17 or thelower layer gate wiring 14.

The gate electrode 9 (gate electrode structure) forms an integrallaminated structure. In this case, the gate electrode 9 is comprised of,for example, a polysilicon film 24 as a lower layer, a silicide film 25made of an intermediate layer WSi film or the like, and a silicon oxidecap film 26 as the upper layer or the like.

FIG. 8 shows an enlarged plan view of a cut portion R2 of the side ofthe gate electrode shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 8, the P-type fieldlimiting ring 4 is positioned at the leftmost side, and the P-type ringregion 18 around the active cell is provided on the right side with theN-type drift region 19 sandwiched between the ring 4 and the region 18.The active cell region 7 is positioned inside the vicinity of the innerend of the P-type ring region 18 around the active cell region. Thesubstantially linear gate electrodes 9 (intrinsic gate electrodes 9 i)are provided at substantially equal intervals (in this case, exactly, atcompletely equal intervals). The P⁺-type body contact regions 16 and thegate split regions 21 are alternatingly provided between the intrinsicgate electrodes 9 i. The lower layer gate wiring 14 is provided over theP-type ring region 18 around the active cell region via the gateinsulating film 23 (see FIG. 7). Further, the upper layer gate wiring 6(comprised of the barrier metal film 20 as the lower layer and thealuminum metal electrode film 10 as the upper layer) is provided abovethe P-type ring region 18 around the active cell region 7 at the outerperiphery (left side shown in FIG. 8) of the lower layer gate wiring 14.The metal source electrode 8 extends beyond, and surrounds, the activecell region 7 in the same way as seen FIG. 5 or FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 shows the cross-section taken along the line X-X′ of FIG. 8. Asshown in FIG. 9, the power MOSFET has a main structure formed on theupper surface 1 a side of the N-epitaxial layer 1 e (N-type drift region19) over the N-type silicon single crystal substrate 1 s. The P-typering region 18 around the active cell region, the P⁺-type body contactregion 16, the N-type source region 22, and the like are provided at asuperficial surface region of the N-epitaxial layer 1 e.

The gate electrode structure 9, that is, the intrinsic gate electrode 9i, the gate electrode 9 p at the end of the active cell region (a dummystructure or an edge termination structure not operating as a MOSFET),and a lower layer gate wiring 14 are provided at the P-type ring region18 around the active cell region via a gate insulating film 23 (or aninsulating film formed at the same time as the gate insulating film).Such a gate electrode structure is covered with the second insulatingfilm 32 for forming sidewalls and the interlayer insulating film 37(note that such a multilayered insulating film inside the active region7 is collectively referred to as an inside-active region gate-electrodeperipheral insulating film 30). The interlayer insulating film 37 ispartially covered with the barrier metal film 20 (for example, TiW film)and the aluminum metal electrode film 10 (containing aluminum as aprincipal component, and several percentage (%) or less of an additive).The interlayer insulating film 37, the barrier metal film 20 and thealuminum metal electrode film 10 together form the metal sourceelectrode 8 and the upper layer gate wiring 6 (or gate pad 5).

The gate electrode 9 p near the end of the active cell region forms theso-called dummy cell UCD. On the other hand, the unit cell UC formingthe main part of the active cell region 7 has a symmetric structure withrespect to a symmetry plane corresponding to a unit cell center line LS.The unit cell UC is repeated hundreds to thousands times.

5. Additional Explanation About Width of Gate Electrode or the like ofPower MOSFET

In this section, the interrelation on width between respective parts ofthe gate electrode structure described above will be described below.

FIG. 10 is a local front view of a chip showing a basic layout of a cutportion R3 around the gate electrode coupling portion near the cellshown in FIG. 6. FIG. 11 is a local front view of a chip showing alayout corresponding to a modified example regarding the dimension ofthe cut portion R3 around the near-cell gate electrode coupling portionshown in FIG. 6. Based on these figures, additional description will begiven about the width of the gate electrode or the like in the powerMOSFET.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the gate electrode of the power MOSFET, thefirst width T1 of the gate electrode lead portion 9 t is normally thesame as the width T1 of the intrinsic gate electrode 9 i. In the exampleseen in FIG. 10, the second width T2 of the near-cell gate electrodecoupling portion 11 (that is, the width of a part other than the gateelectrode lead portion 9 t and the intrinsic gate electrode 9 i in thegate electrode structure), more accurately, the width of each of thenear-cell gate electrode coupling bars 11 a and 11 b forming thetransversely extending near-cell gate electrode coupling portion 11 issubstantially equal to the first width T1. The same goes for thegate-end gate electrode coupling portion 12, the lower layer gate wiring14, and the like. Thus, the widths of the respective componentscomprised of the same material layer are set to the substantially samevalue, which can facilitate the processing of the layer.

FIG. 11 shows a modified example corresponding to FIG. 10. As shown inFIG. 11, the modified example satisfies the following equation: widthT2>width T1. In other words, the first width T1 of the gate electrodesis smaller that the second width of the gate electrode coupling bars 11a, 11 b. By this arrangement, the dam effect of the etching is improved.On the other hand, a distance between the end of the active cell region7 and the end of the metal source electrode 8 is disadvantageouslyincreased. The easiness of processing in FIG. 10 is better than that inFIG. 11.

6. Explanation of Main Parts of Wafer Processing to from Power MOSFET

This section will specifically describe an example of the MOSFET havinga source/drain breakdown voltage of about several tens volts, or less. Amanufacturing process of a general planar vertical MOSFET involvesproducing an edge termination structure, such as a field plate. In theplanar type vertical MOSFET, a relatively thick field insulating film isprovided under a gate electrode. In contrast, in order to simplify theprocess, the following process does not form an insulating film thickerthan a gate oxide film under such a gate electrode (which is hereinafterreferred to as a “non-field insulating film structure”). However, it isneedless to say that the invention of the present application is notlimited to such a non-field insulating film structure. It is noted thatbecause of such a structure, the gate lead portion disadvantageously hasto be comprised of an integral laminated structure without any openingso as to reduce unnecessary gate capacitance (note that the split gatestructure is also based on the same reason).

FIG. 12 is a process block flowchart for explaining the main waferprocessing steps to form the above-described power MOSFET. FIGS. 13-22are device cross-sectional views, each substantially corresponding tothe cross section taken along the line A-A′ of FIG. 6, to show variousintermediate stages in the formation of the power MOSFET.

FIG. 13 shows the device from the step of forming a gate insulating filmto the step of depositing a hard mask film made of silicon oxide. FIG.14 shows the device in the step of processing a gate electrode or thelike. FIG. 15 shows the device in the step of introduction of ions toform a P-type base region. FIG. 16 shows the device in the step ofintroduction of ions to form an N-type source extension region. FIG. 17shows the device in the step of forming a sidewall. FIG. 18 shows thedevice in the step of introduction of ions to form an N⁺-type sourceregion. FIG. 19 shows the device in the step of forming a contact holeand the like. FIG. 20 shows the device in the step of depositing abarrier metal film. FIG. 21 shows the device in the step of wet-etchingan aluminum metal electrode film. FIG. 22 shows the device in the stepof dry-etching a barrier metal film. Based on these figures, the mainsteps of the wafer process of the power MOSFET will be described.

As shown in FIG. 12, first, for example, an N-type silicon singlecrystal wafer 1 s of 200 mm in diameter with a plane direction (100) isprepared. Wafers of other sizes and having a bore of 300 or 450 mm indiameter, or some other value, and a resistance of, for example, about 1to 2 mΩ·cm, may instead be prepared. According to a necessary breakdownvoltage, an N-type silicon epitaxial layer (doped with, for example,phosphorus, and having a resistance of, for example, 0.1 to 0.3 mΩ·cm)having a thickness of, about 1.3 to 3.3 micrometers is deposited to forma wafer 1 with the epitaxial layer attached thereto. Subsequently, agate oxide film 23 (gate insulating film) is formed over an uppersurface 1 a (first main surface) of the wafer 1 with the epitaxiallayer, for example, by thermal oxidation (in a thickness of, forexample, about 20 to 40 nm). Subsequently, for example, aphosphorus-doped polysilicon film 24 (having a thickness of, forexample, about 200 to 400 nm) is deposited over the gate oxide film 23by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or the like.

Further, a WSi film 25 (silicide film) having a thickness, for example,of 100 to 200 nm is formed over the polysilicon film 24. The depositionof the WSi film 25 can be performed, for example, by sputtering or thelike using a WSi target.

Subsequently, a silicon oxide insulating film is deposited as a gate capfilm 26 (having a thickness of, for example, 150 to 350 nm) over the WSifilm 25, for example, by the CVD.

Then, as shown in FIG. 14, the silicon oxide insulating film ispatterned by dry etching or the like using the gate cap film 26 as ahard mask.

Next, as shown in FIG. 15, a resist film 27 for introducing a P-typebase region is formed over the upper surface 1 a side of the wafer 1,and then oblique ion implantation is performed (for example, at aninclination angle of about 30 to 45 degrees, and in four directions fourtimes) using the resist film 27 as a mask for ion implantation tothereby form a P-type channel region 28 (P-type base region) and aP-type ring region 18 around the active cell region. Specifically, theconditions for implantation are, for example, as follows. That is,

(1) First Step: ions of boron; implantation energy of, for example,about 150 to 250 KeV; and a dose amount (in total when performingimplantation four times) of, for example, about 2×10¹²/cm² to2×10¹³/cm², (2) Second Step: ions of boron; implantation energy of, forexample, about 70 to 170 KeV; and a dose amount (in total whenperforming implantation four times) of, for example, about 3×10¹²/cm² to3×10¹³/cm², (3) Third Step: ions of boron; implantation energy of, forexample, about 30 to 130 KeV; and a dose amount (in total whenperforming implantation four times) of, for example, about 4×10¹²/cm² to4×10¹³/cm².

Thereafter, the unnecessary resist film 27 for introduction of theP-type base region is removed.

Then, as shown in FIG. 16, a resist film 31 for introduction of theN-type source extension region is formed over the upper surface 1 a ofthe wafer 1, and the normal ion implantation (for example, verticalimplantation) is performed using the resist film 31 as a mask for ionimplantation to thereby form an N-type source extension region 22 b.

The conditions for ion implantation can be exemplified as follows: ionsof arsenic; implantation energy of, for example, about 30 to 90 KeV; anda dose amount in a preferable range of, for example, about 7×10¹³/cm² to7×10¹⁴/cm². After completion of the ion implantation, the unnecessaryresist film 31 for introduction of the N-type source extension region isremoved.

Then, as shown in FIG. 17, for example, a silicon oxide insulating film(having a thickness of, for example, 150 to 350 nm) is deposited as thesecond insulating film 32 for formation of sidewalls over the entireupper surface 1 a of the wafer 1 by the CVD using, for example,tetraethylorthosilicate TEOS. Subsequently, a resist film 33 forformation of sidewalls is formed, and anisotropic dry etching isperformed using the resist film 33 as a mask to thereby form a sidewallspacer 32 w, a hole 34 for coupling, and the like. Thereafter, theunnecessary resist film 33 for formation of the sidewalls is removed.

Then, as shown in FIG. 18, for example, a silicon oxide insulating film(having a thickness of, for example, 10 to 30 nm) is deposited as asidewall cap film 29 over the entire upper surface 1 a of the wafer 1,for example, by the CVD using the TEOS. Subsequently, the resist film 35for introduction of the N⁺-type source region is formed over the uppersurface 1 a of the wafer 1, and for example, vertical ion implantationis performed using the resist film 35 as a mask to thereby introduce anN⁺-type source region 22 a. The conditions for ion implantation can beexemplified as follows: ions of arsenic; implantation energy of, forexample, about 30 to 90 KeV; and a dose amount in a preferable range of,for example, about 8×10¹⁴/cm² to 8×10¹⁵/cm². After completion of the ionimplantation, the unnecessary resist film 35 for introduction of theN⁺-type source region is removed.

Then, as shown in FIG. 19, an interlayer insulating film 37 comprisedof, for example, a silicon oxide insulating film or the like isdeposited (in a thickness of, for example, of about 150 to 450 nm) overthe entire upper surface 1 a of the wafer 1. The interlayer insulatingfilm 37 can be exemplified as an appropriate film which is comprised of,for example, a phospho silicate glass film (PSG) and a coated siliconoxide insulating film. The PSG film is deposited by the CVD as a lowerlayer (for example, in a thickness of about 150 to 350 nm). The siliconoxide insulating film is formed of a spin on glass (SOG) film or thelike as an upper layer (for example, in a thickness of about 50 to 150nm). Subsequently, a resist film for formation of a contact hole isapplied and patterned by a normal lithography. The anisotropic dryetching is performed using the patterned resist film for formation ofthe contact hole as a mask to thereby form a contact hole 36 leading tothe silicon substrate, and a coupling hole 38 leading to the polysiliconfilm 24 of the gate electrode end 17 (see FIG. 6). Subsequently, in thisstate, the silicon is dug by dry etching, for example, by about 0.1 to0.3 micrometers in depth. Thereafter, the unnecessary resist film forformation of the contact hole is removed. Subsequently, the vertical ionimplantation is performed via the contact hole 36 to thereby introduce aP⁺-type body contact region 16. The conditions for ion implantation canbe exemplified as follows: ions of BF₂; an implantation energy of, forexample, about 10 to 40 KeV; and a dose amount in a preferable range of,for example, about 8×10¹⁴/cm² to 8×10¹⁵/cm².

Then, as shown in FIG. 20, for example, a TiW film (for example,containing about 10% by weight of a titanium composition and having athickness of about 100 to 300 nm) is formed over the entire uppersurface 1 a of the wafer 1 as the barrier metal film 20 by sputtering orthe like (in barrier sputtering step S101 shown in FIG. 12). Thereafter,heat treatment (annealing step S102 shown in FIG. 12) is performed, sothat a part of titanium of the TiW film reacts with silicon contained inthe lower layer to form a titanium silicide film under the TiW film(note that the titanium silicide film is not shown in the figure forconvenience).

Then, as shown in FIG. 21, for example, an aluminum metal electrode film10 containing aluminum as a principal component (for example, producedby adding about 1% of silicon to high purity aluminum) is deposited in athickness of about 2500 to 6000 nm over the entire upper surface 1 a ofthe wafer 1 by sputtering (in an aluminum sputtering step S103 shown inFIG. 12). Subsequently, a photoresist film is applied to the entireupper surface 1 a of the wafer 1, and patterned by the normallithography (in an aluminum photolithography step S104 shown in FIG.12). For example, the aluminum metal electrode film 10 is patterned, forexample, by wet etching using the patterned resist film for processingthe aluminum metal electrode film or the like as a mask (in an aluminumwet etching step S105 shown in FIG. 12). Thus, the part corresponding tothe upper layer gate wiring 6 of the aluminum metal electrode film 10 isisolated from the part corresponding to the metal source electrode 8.Suitable etchant used at this time can preferably be, for example, theso-called mixed acid solution, that is, a mixed solution of acetic acid,nitric acid, water, and phosphoric acid (for example, of about 70 to 80%by weight). After completion of the wet etching, cleaning is performed.

Then, as shown in FIG. 22, an exposed part of the barrier metal film 20is removed, for example, by isotropic dry etching (in a barrier filmetching step S106 shown in FIG. 12). Thereafter, an unnecessary part ofthe resist film for processing the aluminum metal electrode film or thelike is removed (in a resist film removing step S107 shown in FIG. 12).

Then, if necessary, a final passivation film, such as a polyimide film,is formed over the upper surface 1 a of the wafer 1.

7. Consideration of Preferred Embodiments and Supplemental ExplanationThereof

In the present embodiment, the metal electrode comprised of the barriermetal film as the lower layer and the aluminum electrode film as theupper layer (which is much thicker than the barrier metal film) ispatterned by use of a wet etchant containing a phosphoric acid as aprincipal component, and further isotropic dry-etching, which will bespecifically described below. In this case, when voids exist in thealuminum electrode film between the gate electrodes, other parts of thealuminum electrode film which are not to be etched may be etched by thewet etchant passing through the voids (abnormal side etching) in etchingthe aluminum electrode film. Similarly, also in the etching of a barriermetal film, the undesired etching may be caused. The wet etchant (havinga high viscosity because of a high concentration of phosphoric acid)remains in the void. Upon dry-etching the barrier metal film, the wetetchant moves to the part which is to be etched, which generates etchingresidue. The problems of the undesired etching and the etching residuemay also be generated when changing the wet etching to dry etching.Further, when changing the isotropic dry etching to anisotropic dryetching, these problems may also be caused.

In the embodiment, in order to prevent the abnormal side etching throughthe voids, the gate electrode coupling portions(or gate electrodecoupling bars) exhibiting the dam effect are introduced into a part ofthe gate structure. That is, the gate electrode coupling portion made ofthe same laminated member as the gate electrode is provided near theoutside of the active cell region with a number of gate electrodes (gateelectrode lead portions). The gate electrode coupling portion isprovided to have its upper part covered with the metal electrode film soas to be directed substantially perpendicular to the extension directionof the gate electrode lead portion. Thus, the gate electrode couplingportion exhibits the dam effect for preventing the invasion of theetchant (etching solution) from the side.

Accordingly, the gate electrode coupling portion 11, 12 comprises amaterial suitable for forming a dam that is capable of preventing ametal electrode etchant (such as the aforementioned mixed acid solution)present on one side of the gate electrode coupling portion 11, 12, frometching a portion of the metal electrode (e.g., the aluminum metalelectrode film 10) on an opposite side (e.g., the “active cell side) ofthe gate electrode coupling portion 11, 12. In the case of the firstmetal electrode 8, the first (near-cell) gate electrode coupling portion11 serves as a dam to prevent wet etchant from reaching the aluminummetal electrode film 10 on the active cell region side 7. Similarly, inthe case of upper layer gate wiring 6, the second (gate end) gateelectrode coupling portion serves as a dam to prevent wet etchant fromreaching portions of the aluminum metal electrode film 10 located overthe gate electrode end 17.

8. Summary

Although the invention made by the inventors has been specificallydescribed based on the embodiments, the invention is not limitedthereto. It is apparent that various modifications and changes can bemade to the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

For example, in the embodiments, the N-channel type device has beenmainly described specifically, but the invention is not limited thereto.It is needless to say that the invention can also be applied to aP-channel device almost as it is.

Although the above embodiments have mainly described the single devicespecifically, the invention is not limited thereto. Obviously, theinvention can also be applied to a composite semiconductor chip(semiconductor device) incorporating such an insulated gated powertransistor substantially as it is.

Further, although the above embodiments have mainly described thesilicon device specifically, for example, the invention is not limitedthereto. It goes without saying that the invention can also be appliedto other devices using substrate material belonging to other series,such as SiC based or SiN based material, substantially as it is.

The embodiments have specifically described the device using, as a mainsurface metal, the electrode (aluminum electrode) including a metallayer as a main component which contains aluminum as a principalcomponent. However, it is apparent that the invention is not limitedthereto, and can also be applied to devices using other electrodemetals, such as a tungsten electrode, substantially as it is.

1. A power semiconductor device, comprising: (a) a semiconductor chipwith first and second main surfaces; (b) a plurality of gate electrodesprovided via a gate insulating film so as to protrude outward from aninside of an active cell region over the first main surface of thesemiconductor chip; (c) a first gate electrode coupling portionintegrally coupling intermediate parts of the gate electrodes togetheroutside the active cell region over the first main surface of thesemiconductor chip; (d) an interlayer insulating film covering the gateelectrodes and the first gate electrode coupling portion over the firstmain surface of the semiconductor chip; and (e) a first metal electrodecovering the active cell region and surroundings thereof over theinterlayer insulating film, wherein the first gate electrode couplingportion between the gate electrodes is covered with the first metalelectrode; and wherein the first metal electrode comprises: (e1) abarrier metal film; and (e2) a metal electrode film provided over thebarrier metal film, and containing aluminum as a principal component,said metal electrode film being thicker than the barrier metal film. 2.The semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein the first gateelectrode coupling portion comprises at least two coupling bars next toone another.
 3. The semiconductor device according to claim 2, whereineach of the coupling bars is substantially linear.
 4. The semiconductordevice according to claim 3, wherein each of the coupling bars hassubstantially the same width as that of each of the gate electrodes. 5.The semiconductor device according to claim 3, wherein the width of eachof the coupling bars is wider than that of each of the gate electrodes.6. The semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein the first gateelectrode coupling portion is formed of the same layer material as thatof the gate electrodes.
 7. The semiconductor device according to claim1, wherein the power semiconductor device is a power MISFET including alinear gate electrode structure.
 8. The semiconductor device accordingto claim 7, wherein the power semiconductor device is a power MISFEThaving a planar structure.
 9. The semiconductor device according toclaim 8, wherein the power semiconductor device is a split gate powerMISFET having a planar structure.
 10. The semiconductor device accordingto claim 4, wherein no insulating film which is thicker than the gateinsulating film exists between the first main surface of thesemiconductor chip and the gate electrode coupling portion.
 11. A powersemiconductor device including a semiconductor chip comprising: anactive cell region; a non-cell region adjacent to the active cellregion; a plurality of spaced apart gate electrodes extending linearlyalong a first direction, each gate electrode having a first portion inthe active cell region connected to a second portion in the non-cellregion, the second portion terminating at a gate electrode end in thenon-cell region; a first gate electrode coupling portion extending alonga second direction transverse to the first direction and intersectingsecond portions of said plurality of gate electrodes in the non-cellregion, the first gate electrode coupling portion being integrallyformed with the gate electrodes, and occupying a same depth level in thesemiconductor chip; an interlayer insulating film overlying the gateelectrodes and also the first gate electrode coupling portion; and afirst metal electrode overlying the first portions of the gateelectrodes and the first gate electrode coupling portion, but notoverlying the gate electrode ends.
 12. The power semiconductor deviceaccording to claim 11, wherein: the first gate electrode couplingportion comprises a material suitable for forming a dam that is capableof preventing a first metal electrode etchant present on one side of thefirst gate electrode coupling portion from etching a portion of thefirst metal electrode which is located between two of said plurality ofgate electrodes on an opposite side of the first gate electrode couplingportion.
 13. The power semiconductor device according to claim 11,wherein: the first metal electrode comprises a barrier metal film and ametal electrode film formed over the barrier metal film; and the metalelectrode film is thicker than the barrier metal film.
 14. The powersemiconductor device according to claim 11, wherein: the first gateelectrode coupling portion comprises at least two parallelly extendingcoupling bars; and each coupling bar intersects second portions of saidplurality of gate electrodes in the non-cell region.
 15. The powersemiconductor device according to claim 14, wherein: each coupling barshas substantially the same width as that of each of the gate electrodes.16. The power semiconductor device according to claim 14, wherein: eachcoupling bar has a width greater than that of each of the gateelectrodes.
 17. The power semiconductor device according to claim 11,further comprising a second gate electrode coupling portion which is:parallel to the first gate electrode coupling portion; located fartherfrom the active cell region than the first gate electrode portion;intersects the second portions of the gate electrodes; and is integrallyformed with both the gate electrodes and the first gate electrodecoupling portion.
 18. The power semiconductor device according to claim17, further comprising: an upper layer gate wiring overlying the secondgate electrode coupling portion and being connected to the gateelectrode ends.
 19. The power semiconductor device according to claim18, wherein: the upper layer gate wiring is formed of the same materialas the first metal electrode; and the upper layer gate wiring isisolated from the first metal electrode.
 20. The power semiconductordevice according to claim 19, wherein: the gate electrode couplingportions comprise a material suitable for forming a dam that is capableof preventing a first metal electrode etchant present on one side of agiven gate electrode coupling portion from etching a portion of eitherthe first metal electrode or the upper layer gate wiring, located on anopposite side of said given gate electrode coupling portion.
 21. Thepower semiconductor device according to claim 20, wherein: the firstgate electrode coupling portion comprises at least two parallellyextending coupling bars, and each coupling bar intersects secondportions of said plurality of gate electrodes in the non-cell region;and the first metal electrode comprises a barrier metal film and a metalelectrode film formed over the barrier metal film, the metal electrodefilm being thicker than the barrier metal film.
 22. The powersemiconductor device according to claim 19, wherein: the first gateelectrode coupling portion comprises at least two parallelly extendingcoupling bars, and each coupling bar intersects second portions of saidplurality of gate electrodes in the non-cell region; and the first metalelectrode comprises a barrier metal film and a metal electrode filmformed over the barrier metal film, the metal electrode film beingthicker than the barrier metal film.